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Type: fiction

Status: disliked

Author: Tess Gerritsen

Tags: mystery romance supernatural suspense murder death drama tragedy science-fiction angst maine

Description: When I first started reading this book I expected the story to be told more from teenage pointsWhen I first started reading this book I expected the story to be told more from teenage points of view but I was disappointed as the story mostly centred around Claire's character and, in my opinion, her love interest. Of course a great deal of time was spent on theories as to why the teens were behaving so oddly but when it comes right down to it, not many pages were spent on the actual problem and solution.

The only time I felt myself enjoying this book was when the story was told from Noah's, Amelia's, and Barry's POVs. Although they were the main reason for the book's existence they did not get a lot of space for their story. I sort of felt as if they were given a raw deal as the story was indeed about them. In fact, it was as if more time was spent talking about Maine's weather than the teens' emotions and outlooks on life.

All in all, I admit the plot twists were rather well written. Just when you thought you knew what was going on, you're proven wrong. However, in many ways it's still semi-predictable and I was really disappointed with the way things turned out. The ending was not half bad though.

Tess has definitely improved as a writer since this book. I'm glad this wasn't the first book I read of hers otherwise I may never have given her other novels a chance. Basically, I don't suggest reading this book, especially if you've never read anything else written by her. This book does not showcase her talent at all....

2005-09-23

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Type: fiction

Status: I recommend

Author: Kirk Read

Tags: romance humour homosexuality plays irony theatre angst autobiographies

Description: That is one of the numerous quotes that I have taken from this book and completely agree with.That is one of the numerous quotes that I have taken from this book and completely agree with. Kirk Read is not only a talented and interesting gay man with personality and one hell of a sense of humour, he's also witty. He tells his story of growing up in a supposed homophobic neighbourhood in such a way that makes you want to not put the book down until you have finished it. I constantly found myself breathless from laughter and impressed with his cleverness.

It's practically impossible to not like Kirk. Even the people he was surrounded by that were homophobic or had even the slightest aversion to gays liked him. This book is not only about a gay teenager going through life, encountering obstacles and overcoming them, it's also a lesson in acceptance of others and oneself. `How I Learned To Snap' can easily change your perception of certain people and situations. There were many times in the book that Kirk thought that he would have to fight something and he even got extremely excited in some instances only to discover that things were not exactly the way that he had assumed.

So why did I only give this book four stars? I must admit that it did not flow as well as I thought it could have. I usually have this problem when it comes to autobiographies, it has nothing to do with the book itself, it's just my preference coming into play.

I recommend this book to anyone, not just GLBT people. It will teach you a lot about yourself and the world around you....

2005-09-23

• Current

Type: fiction

Status: disliked

Author: W. Somerset Maugham

Tags: romance england classics drama tragedy infidelity authors

Description: The reason that I read this book was because I fell in love with W. Somerset Maugham'sThe reason that I read this book was because I fell in love with W. Somerset Maugham's writing style when I read 'Of Human Bondage'. Unfortunately, I was greatly disappointed to go from 'Of Human Bondage', which is now my favourite book, to 'Cakes & Ale'. From the very beginning I confess that I had difficulty with the storyline. I found myself constantly wondering what the setting was of a scene. I found the character of Roy rather distracting and dull. Despite the fact that the story would not exist if not for his character, I felt that he was of no importance.

The only time that I actually felt myself get interested in the story was when Edward and Rosie Driffield came onto the pages. I enjoyed their characters and the way that they interacted with Ashenden. From the very beginning I liked both of their characters, especially Rosie for her personality.

Although this book was beautiful and so well written I found myself staring down at the pages in awe at times, I did not enjoy it as much as 'Of Human Bondage' and 'The Razor's Edge', which I read directly after 'Cakes & Ale'. I would have to say the only good things about this novel were Edward and Rosie's characters and the last few pages. The one thing that truly turned me against liking this book was the ending. To me it seemed rather abrupt and not at all fitting of the story. It left me cold as the majority of the story did. I was unable to connect with the characters very well, which is something that bothers me to no end. I like to get involved in the book I am reading, feel what the characters are feeling, but there was so little of that here that by the time I finished this book I was admittedly a bit disgusted that I had wasted my time by reading it....

2005-09-23